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Godrej Agrovet Ltd has entered into a three-year partnership with the Maharashtra State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM-UMED) to empower rural farmers and promote sustainable agriculture in Maharashtra. The initiative aims to mobilise self-help groups (SHGs) and women farmers, focusing initially on nine cotton-growing districts, including Nagpur and Amravati, to adopt good agricultural practices (GAP) and integrated pest management (IPM). The program will engage over 5,000 women farmers and cover more than 50,000 acres of farmland in its first year, with plans to expand to other crops like maize. This collaboration aligns with the United Nations' International Year of the Woman Farmer in 2026, highlighting women's vital role in agrifood systems. Godrej Agrovet will provide training and resources, while MSRLM-UMED will facilitate coordination, aiming to enhance livelihoods and resilience in rural Maharashtra through scientific crop management practices. 
Published: Jan 20 2026, 6 pmeznews.inIndia's capital markets, despite a decade of growth, exhibit a stark urban-rural divide in household participation, with only 9.5% of households investing in securities, according to SEBI's Investor Survey 2025. Of the 33.72 crore households, 53.5% are aware of market products but do not invest, while 37% lack awareness altogether. Urban households show a penetration rate of 15%, significantly higher than the 6% in rural areas, with major metros leading at 23%. Interestingly, nearly half of those intending to invest are from rural regions, highlighting a potential for financial inclusion. Mutual funds and ETFs are favored, yet only 8.5% of households have a demat account, indicating a significant awareness-participation gap. Barriers such as complexity and lack of confidence persist, with participation correlating strongly with income, education, and gender, as men participate at 11% compared to 7% for women.
Published: Jan 20 2026, 7 pmeznews.inThe Enforcement Directorate (ED) has uncovered a significant fake GST input tax credit scheme involving a fictitious firm, Siddhi Vinayak Trade Merchants, which allegedly generated fraudulent invoices worth over ₹658 crore, resulting in a loss of approximately ₹99 crore in tax revenue. Following an FIR from the Anti-Evasion Wing of the CGST Commissionerate in Itanagar, the ED conducted searches across West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Manipur, identifying 58 additional shell entities suspected of facilitating money laundering. These entities reportedly acquired GST registrations through forged documents, including bogus rent agreements and falsified identification papers. Key figures in the scheme, Rakesh Sharma and Ashutosh Kumar Jha, are accused of exploiting the system without any legitimate supply of goods or services. The investigation highlights a broader issue, with reports indicating that nearly ₹41,664 crore in fake invoice cases were detected in the previous financial year, involving over 25,000 shell firms.
Published: Jan 20 2026, 7 pmeznews.inIndonesia has intensified its crackdown on illegal exports of key commodities, including rice, sugar, and groundnuts, following a report by _businessline_. Authorities have seized at least 10 ships at Tanjung Balai Karimun Customs port, confiscating 1.45 million tonnes of rice, 100,000 tonnes of sugar, and significant amounts of other goods. Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman visited the customs warehouse to inspect the seized items. The illegal trade has surged, particularly in groundnuts, with 90% of imports reportedly bypassing official channels. Despite lifting a suspension on Indian groundnut imports in November, Indonesia imposed strict aflatoxin limits that many exporters find unmanageable. The rise in illegal shipments has led to a drop in domestic prices, while trade sources suggest that China may be influencing Indonesia's stringent import regulations. In the 2024-25 fiscal year, Indonesia accounted for over 35% of India's groundnut exports, valued at $280 million.
Published: Jan 20 2026, 7 pmeznews.inThe textile industry has expressed strong approval following the Union Ministry of Heavy Industries' decision to rescind its Quality Control Order (QCO) on machinery and electrical equipment safety, initially issued on August 24, 2024. This move, effective immediately as of January 16, 2026, eliminates quality control standards for imported textile machinery, which is crucial for an industry that heavily relies on imports, particularly from Germany and China. Industry leaders argue that the rollback will facilitate access to competitively priced machinery and spare parts, alleviating capital expenditure pressures and enhancing operational efficiency. With textile machinery imports to India surging by 32% to $5 billion in FY23, the decision is seen as a significant relief, allowing mills to source high-quality components without the constraints of compliance. Experts believe this will ultimately support the industry's growth and competitiveness in the global market.
Published: Jan 20 2026, 7 pmeznews.inUnion Minister Piyush Goyal met with US Senator Steve Daines and US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor in New Delhi on Monday, as Daines advocated for Montana's pulse farmers facing high import duties in India. Daines, who represents Montana, emphasized the need for "favorable pulse crop provisions" in future trade agreements with India, following a letter he and fellow Senator Kevin Cramer sent to President Trump. The visit underscores ongoing negotiations between the US and India to resolve trade issues, particularly in agriculture, where India has maintained protective measures. Daines highlighted the importance of accelerating talks for a fair bilateral trade deal, noting that India, the world's largest consumer of pulse crops, has imposed a 30% import duty on yellow peas, disadvantaging US producers. Ambassador Gor remarked on the significance of Daines' visit in strengthening bilateral relations, with plans for regular high-level exchanges between the two nations.
Published: Jan 20 2026, 7 pmeznews.inIn a significant meeting at the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Cochin, Netherlands Ambassador to India, Nepal, and Bhutan, Marisa Gerards, emphasized the potential for collaboration in sectors such as shipping, agriculture, and technology. Highlighting Kerala's strategic coastal location, she noted it as an ideal hub for mutual investments and trade expansion between Dutch and Indian businesses. Accompanied by Ewout De Wit, the Consul General of the Netherlands, Gerards reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening economic ties and supporting India's growth through sustainable investments and knowledge-sharing initiatives. The meeting, presided over by Raj Kumar Gupta, President of the Chamber, brought together business leaders to discuss enhanced cooperation and trade partnerships, marking a pivotal step in deepening Indo-Dutch relations. Gerards expressed optimism about future collaborations, particularly in the shipping industry, underscoring the vast opportunities for investment in India.
Published: Jan 20 2026, 6 pmeznews.inGodrej Agrovet has entered into an initial agreement with the Maharashtra State Rural Livelihoods Mission to empower over 5,000 women farmers in nine cotton-growing districts of Maharashtra. The three-year partnership aims to enhance agricultural practices by mobilising Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and promoting Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM). CEO Sunil Kataria highlighted the initiative's goal of improving yields and uplifting families through practical agronomy. The program will cover more than 50,000 acres and engage 100 SHGs per district in its first year, with plans to expand support to over 5,000 SHGs across the state and include other crops like maize. Godrej Agrovet will conduct training workshops, farmer field schools, and distribute safety kits, while the Maharashtra State Rural Livelihood Mission will facilitate coordination through its networks.
Published: Jan 20 2026, 5 pmeznews.inThe third meeting of the Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) is set to take place on January 23 in Kochi, aiming to showcase the achievements of the Inland Water Transport (IWT) sector and outline its future vision. Chaired by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, the session will also feature Minister of State Shantanu Thakur and various state ministers. Key initiatives to enhance inland water transport will be launched, alongside the signing of State Support Agreements to bolster Centre-State collaboration. The agenda includes discussions on urban water transport systems, cargo efficiency, green vessels, river cruise tourism, and regulatory frameworks. Kerala, home to five National Waterways, has seen significant cargo movement, and feasibility studies for urban water transport in Alappuzha and Kollam are underway. The meeting aims to address implementation challenges and advance critical infrastructure projects, including the modernization of key facilities on NW-3.
Published: Jan 20 2026, 5 pmeznews.inA recent study by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) reveals that indigenous cattle are vital to integrated farming systems in India, with over one-third of cattle rearers not selling milk but instead focusing on non-market uses such as dung and draught power. The survey, which encompassed over 7,300 households across 15 states, found that 74% of farmers value dung for manure and fuel, while 54% of buffalo rearers reported climate-related challenges affecting their livestock. The study highlights the need for targeted livestock programs that address regional challenges, such as feed shortages and climate resilience. Experts emphasize that current dairy policies focus too heavily on milk production, neglecting the broader livelihood roles of cattle. To enhance productivity and sustainability, the report calls for improved veterinary services and localized feed solutions, particularly in regions facing climate stress and resource constraints.
Published: Jan 20 2026, 5 pm
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